In verses 1-6, We learn about God giving Abram (meaning, "Father of Exaltation") a new name, Abraham (meaning, "Father of a Multitude)
verses 7 & 8. Next, God reminds Abraham of the promised "seed". This Abrahamic Covenant is "a covenant to time indefinite". It's terms require that it extend on until the destruction of all God's enemies and the blessing of the families of the earth have been accomplished.
(Compare: 1 Corinth. 15:23-26)
verses 9-14. Now at age 99 years, Abraham enters into the covenant of circumcision, which Jehovah made with Abraham and his natural seed; all males of the household, including slaves, were to be circumcised; anyone refusing would be cut-off from his people. Circumcision served as a seal of the righteousness Abraham had by faith while in an uncircumcised state, and it was the physical sign of the covenant relationship of Abraham's descendants, through Jacob, with Jehovah. (Compare: Romans 4:11, 12) God recognized circumcision until the ending of the Law Covenant in the year 33 of our common era. (1 Corith 7:19; chapter 15 of Acts.)
Even though physical circumcision was carried out under law, Jehovah, repeatedly showed that he was more concerned with its symbolic significance, counseling Israel "to circumcise the foreskin of their hearts."--Deut 10:16; Acts 7:51
verse 15. God gives Abrahams' wife a new name from, Sar'ai, meaning "Contentious" to Sarah, meaning, "Princess".
verses 16 & 17. Abraham receives an "extraordinary" promise! His faithful wife, Sarah, who is past childbearing years, is promised a child! What a joyful miracle! Yes, Sarah is to receive the child of promise. (Romans 9:9) Amazingly, Abraham put full faith in this promise.
(Romans 4:19, 20; Hebrews 11:11) I wonder, could I have faith like that?
verses 18-21. As a kind and loving father, Abraham is concerned about his son, Ishmael. And Abraham takes this concern to God in prayer. Jehovah is very clear, and explains to Abraham that the promised "seed" (Genesis 3:15) would come through Isaac. Yet, Ishmael would not be forgotten, he would be blessed, and would be fruitful and become a great nation. But, it would be by Divine choice, the promised "seed" would come through Isaac. How would Ishmael react to this Divine choice? We shall see as we continue reading Genesis.
verses 22-27. But for now, we see, Abraham giving proof of his strong faith! As a sign of God's covenant with him, Jehovah told Abraham to get circumcised along with every man in his large household. How does Abraham react to this command? "He went circumcising the flesh of their foreskins in this very day, just as God commanded him" Abraham was 99 years, his son, Ishmael was 13 years old.
As we progressively learn how God dealt with his people in Abraham's day, we can see how he deals with his loyal ones today. What a loving God he is! Jehovah directs his will clearly for us to follow, when others receive privileges, we rejoice with them, knowing that God will not forget his promises and blessings for all.
1 comment:
Abraham's story has many depths and lessons. Amazing man and prophet.
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